If you're interested in design, entrepreneurship and process. Steve Vassallo's online book is just the thing for you. As an IDEO designer, Business man, and author, Steve give incredible insights on entrepreneurship and design. Give it a read.
I really admire how thoroughly designed the site is.
Download PDF or Read Book Here.
On success. "More often we judge our success by what others have done, and not forge our own path. " - Chris Burkard & Ben Weiland
If you haven't heard about Chris Burkard. Well, he's your moms favorite surf photographer. Check him out. He was in town last night for the premiere of his short film.The film documents Chris and friends chasing a storm in the northern tip of Iceland for ten days. What's amazing is, He's been to Iceland more than 25 times and never has the conditions, weather, swell and night sky align so well to be able to shoot the northern lights, and surfing all at once. It's an impressive body of work and film, go see it.
Trip Itinerary :
a. SFO > TAIWAN > BALI
b. 3 day, Canggu (Surf, Dues Ex Machina, Souvenirs)
c. 2 day, Ubud (Campuhan Ridge, Monkey Forest)
d. 1 day, Amed (Rice Terrace)
e. 2 day, Tulamben (Diving Ship Wreck)
f. 4 day, Lombok (Backpack Mt Rinjani, Surf Ekas Breaks)
There is so much to say and share about Bali. In short, I want to retire there. I just love everything about the country, the people, and importantly- the surf. Here's a minute of the hundreds of gigs of footage I took in Bali. I'll edit individual events soon. Enjoy this for now.
Trip Itinerary :
a. Amed, Bali
b. Kirana Homestay (AirBnB)
Regretfully I should have brought my nice camera. The GoPro did a fine job though don't you think?
Just a short walk from the ubud market is a jungle full of sly, clever, bullies. Don't be fooled by thier cute puppy eyes, and smaller proportions, zip your shit up, and lock everything down. I saw a monkey pull a bottle of water from a person, untwist the cap, pour the water onto the ground, then proceeded to drink with his homies. These monkey's open bags, rummage through your things, take loose articles of clothing, eat your lunch, then growl and show their fangs if you attempt to retrieve your stuff. Don't worry though, there are workers to help with stolen goods, but if it's food, consider that gone.
There are a lot of "LOL" moments as you hike through the forest. Beyond the monkey heist that leaves you in shock and awe. The Macaca fascicularis or Balinese long-tailed monkeys are majestic. If you stand back and observe, there is a sense of community. They are so human like, because they have a long history of living along side humans. They fight, mate, groom, and care for each other just like we do. Unlike what pop culture demands, these monkey's feed on sweet potatoes, not bananas. Although bananas are sold on location.
Fun fact: These monkeys are opportunistic, they've been documented to use tools to gather food. I saw this first hand. One monkey wrapped an acorn neatly inside a leaf, then carefully scraped the package back and fourth on a concrete slab, making sure he's not causing too much friction, thus damaging the nut. I've got a video, I'll make it into a gif.
Trip Itinerary :
a. Canggu, Bali
b. Deus Ex Machina (address)
AKA. TEMPLE OF ENTHUSIAM
If you're into motorcycles and surfing, then you'll love the brand Deus Ex Machina. Founded in Australia. The name translates to "God of Machines" and yes, they build some mean god given surfing and road machines. Unfortunately my hundredaire lifestyle doesn't support a new bike, or board, but since I'm in the neighborhood I grabbed some swag, lunch and drinks at their in store cafe and bar. Check them out if you're in Bali.
ps. If you dig the art scene. They have an in store art gallery that's always updated.
pps. If you skate, there is a half pipe in the back near their Moro garage. Check the photos.
I'm almost done reading "Barbarian days" by William Finnegan. Saw this nice quote, he quoted Horace Walpole in the book. Thought I'd share it with you. Take it however you feel, or think.
Life is a comedy to those who think and a tragedy for those who feel. --Walpole
I picked up a cheap-o headlamp from cvs a couple of years ago when I hiked Pinnacles. Ive never got around to hiking late at night again, so never looked into buying something actually decent. As I prepare to hike Mt. Rijani in Bali. I picked up this nicely designed Black Diamond Spot.
Here are photos of the lamp. It's a 200. Features: Power tap, dimming, strobe, red, proximity, lock mode and uses 3 XAAA. Photos of the illumination later.
Cause of the overwhelming rain fall we had this year, parts of California is experiencing a wild-flower "SUPER BLOOM." The phenomenon will only last another two weeks, so plan a trip to the closest hill of wild flowers near you. Here's a link to a few spots.
Anna and I had planned a backpacking trip through Channel Island National Park with her mom as a birthday gift. Turns out Channel Island charter's are not operating. Conveniently enough, its because of the record rain fall we had this year. We made the best of our situation and went on a day hike at Carrizo Plain to experience this years Super Bloom. Here's a quick edit I made for IG.
As usual, Sunday equals Funday, So I met up with some familiar faces. I use to work with these guys/gals @ Matter Global. We arrived early to catch the clouds blanketing the horizon. I bet it's epic during sunset. I can't believe this place is so close to home, I'll have to ride my motorcycle up here soon. Its one of the places I like to frequent, but feel like I never see it all. There is always something new each time I come. Video coming soon.
If you haven't yet. Here's an interview Anh and I did with the dope people of Adapt. Check out the epidsode here or on their site.
Just a little drive past Ocean Beach in SF. Depending on which direction you drive on highway 1, is Fort Funston Golden Gate National Conservancy. Primary a dog park, but expect hang gliders, surfers, and your typical SF breeze. The views and hike here is amazing. I would recommend to anyone with a pup. I've known of the park but have never gone, San Mateo has plenty of awesome dog parks so I don't venture into SF much. I'm so happy I did, I like filming on an overcast day.
If only my local surf spot is warmer. Bless all you who live in warmer climate, like Hawaii. I rather own many dope pairs of swim trunks than a constricting wetsuits. But this is all I have. It's not perfect, but it's perfect enough.
Out with Gauthier:
My buddy Arnelle shot these of my bro and I, for our Creative Session feature on their insightful podcast called : Adapt Podcast. Check em out.
